Tasmyn Gopfert and Brett Babich, from Kinsale, Ireland, have shared their heartbreaking journey after their daughter, Miley, was diagnosed with severe brain damage and a range of other health issues. The young family’s life has been dominated by medical appointments and hospital visits since Miley’s birth in August 2023, just two years after they emigrated from South Africa.
Initially, Miley appeared healthy after spending five days in an incubator and receiving oxygen and antibiotics. According to the Mirror, However, as time passed, her parents became concerned when she cried for hours each day, initially thought to be colic. Their concerns grew when Miley was taken to A&E at Cork University Hospital (CUH) for a high fever. There, a nurse noticed Miley’s “unusual, high-pitched cry” and referred her to a pediatrician. Tasmyn said, “I didn’t think anything major of it before. I’m the oldest of nine children so I’d been around kids before, I just saw it as ‘Miley’s cry’.”
The referral to a specialist led to the discovery of a “ridge” forming at the top of Miley’s head, prompting further tests, including an MRI and CT scan. In December 2023, Tasmyn and Brett received devastating news. “We were told that Miley had severe brain damage and that she had a good few diagnoses which are microcephaly (stunted head growth), encephalomalacia (softening of brain tissue), and cerebral palsy,” Tasmyn recalled. “It was absolutely devastating and we really struggled with the news of Miley’s condition.”
Miley spent two weeks in the hospital for various tests, and in December, she was also treated for RSV, spending six days in the hospital almost up until Christmas. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, the family spent the holidays quietly at home.
By early 2024, Miley seemed to be improving with new medications, but in February, her health took a turn. She contracted the flu and later Covid-19, both of which were “incredibly hard to watch.” Shortly after, Miley had a severe reaction to vaccinations, followed by her first-ever seizure, leading to her diagnosis of epilepsy. Tasmyn described the terrifying moment: “It was so awful. Suddenly Miley stopped breathing and I had to start chest compressions.”
Tragically, Miley’s health issues didn’t end there. Recent X-rays revealed she suffers from hip dysplasia and GI dystonia, which causes severe bowel discomfort. Despite these challenges, Miley has shown remarkable resilience, often smiling at the doctors and nurses who have been caring for her. “We couldn’t do any of this without our Miley, she’s such a fighter, it’s absolutely incredible,” Tasmyn said.
The Gopfert-Babich family has received tremendous support from their local community, including a GoFundMe campaign called the “Miley Movement,” which aims to help with medical bills and build an accessible bedroom for Miley. As of now, nearly 6,000 euros have been raised. Tasmyn expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “We didn’t want people to feel the need to feel sympathy for us… but knowing there’s such a large group behind us is so incredible.”
As the family continues to navigate these immense challenges, their strength and the kindness of their community are providing much-needed hope.
